NBA’s top 20 free agents

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While there is little doubt about the top of the free agent lists – occupied by Dwight Howard and Chris Paul or Chris Paul and Dwight Howard – there is a long list of players in the next echelon to become free agents at 11 p.m. tonight.

While few if any will get the max contracts certain with Paul and Howard, there are All Stars and potential All Stars on the market, particularly at power forward, and several players just reaching their prime, especially at point guard.

Here’s a look at the top 20.

THE ELITE

Dwight Howard, C, Lakers
The object of the Rockets’ affections for two years, he spent his season in Los Angeles coming back from back surgery and battling a shoulder injury. With those issues presumably behind him, he is again coveted as he was after carrying the Magic to the Finals.

Chris Paul, G, Clippers
The Clippers have done nearly everything imaginable to empower Paul and entice him to stay long-term before owner Donald Sterling outed him as the motivation for firing Vinny Del Negro. The hiring of Doc Rivers should heal that wound with Paul considered an almost impossible get for anyone else.

THE NEXT BEST

Andre Iguodala, F, Nuggets
Acquired in the deal that sent Dwight Howard to Los Angeles and Andrew Bynum to Philadelphia, Iguodala fit much better with the Nuggets than the previous AI (Allen Iverson) to go from Philly to Denver. The overhaul of the Nuggets front office and coaching staff, however, could make him think twice and the big money usually doesn’t go to defense-first wing players.

David West, F, Pacers
West solidified his importance to the Pacers with his strong post-season play. A team ready to contend now, Indiana will look to lock up West and he will have a tough time finding a better situation than was waiting for him when he signed late as a free agent just two years ago.

Josh Smith, F, Hawks
By now, it is clear that a team that gets Smith with get some great highlight moments on both ends of the court. If he stays within his role he can be a force, but will likely expect close to max money, an offer few GMs are likely to give.

Paul Millsap, F, Jazz
An underrated, versatile power forward, Millsap will do dirty work and still produce as a rebounder and scorer. He showed signs early last season of improved range. He could get offers that would exceed any the Jazz would make with Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter and Rudy Gobert on the roster.

Kevin Martin, G, Thunder
The Thunder will likely move on after just one season and inconsistent play in the post-season. A reliable, proven scorer, Martin showed a willingness to come off the bench, but is unlikely to receive a contract offer equal to the deal he signed as the Kings’ star.

Monta Ellis, G, Bucks
Ellis turned down a two-year, $24 million extension offer so he is certain to be looking for the contract of a franchise player. Though a gifted scorer, he is best suited for a role that does not ask him to do much else, potentially making it difficult to land a deal as good as the one he turned down.

Al Jefferson, C, Jazz
There are not a lot of back-to-the-basket scorers at center around the league and Jefferson is close to the best. He is just 28 years old and over the knee injury that limited him last season. He showed only passing interest in defense, however, likely limiting the offers he will receive.

Jarrett Jack, G, Golden State
Jack is coming off a breakthrough season at just the right time, becoming one of the league’s top sixth men and a key closer for the Warriors. Golden State

WORTH WATCHING

Andrew Bynum, C, 76ers
The Sixers seemed ready to let Bynum walk after one season in which he never got on the court, but seemed even ready to start over when making the draft-night move to pick up Nerlens Noel and an extra pick, even at the cost of All Star Jrue Holiday.

Tyreke Evans, G, Kings
Evans has not progressed much since his rookie season, when he surpassed averages of 20 points, five assists and five rebounds. Though Evans is still an often explosive scorer and a restricted free agent, the Kings might be ready to move on after Ben McLemore fell to them in the draft.

Nikola Pekovic, C, Timberwolves
The Timberwolves will work to keep Pekovic, a physical, productive center when healthy. A restricted free agent, he could draw the sort of back-loaded contract the Rockets used to sign Omer Asik last summer.

Jeff Teague, G, Hawks
A restricted free agent, Teague will likely get a lot of interest as perhaps the second-best point guard available. An emerging talent, he could be key to Mike Budenholzer’s rebuilding in Atlanta, but will generate interest from teams with cap room to make it tough to match.

Brandon Jennings, G, Bucks
The Bucks seem more determined to match any offer Jennings receives as a restricted free agent than Ellis gets in the open market. With few point guards in free agency, Jennings could get an offer that will give the Bucks pause, especially considering his inconsistency so far.

Tony Allen, F, Grizzlies
One of the elite defensive wings in the league, he has been a very good fit in Memphis. The Grizzlies, however, could use another wing scorer and have Tayshaun Prince under contract for two more seasons, making it difficult to bring Allen off the bench for the price he is likely to command.

DON’T FORGET

Manu Ginobili, G, Spurs
Ginobili is almost certain to remain in San Antonio if he does not retire, but will need to take a considerable paycut from last season’s $14 million. As with all things with the Spurs, he will likely be signed with little drama.

J.R. Smith, G, Knicks
Smith seemed headed for a big payday after his breakthrough season made him the Sixth Man award winner. He disappeared in the playoffs, however, amid reports of his nightlife. He will still be coveted for an instant-offense role, but he likely won’t get the contract of a player expected to do more.

Andrei Kirilenko, F, Timberwolves
Kirilenko opted out of his contract and is unlikely to return to Minnesota. He is still a savvy, all-around performer, if not as productive as in his Utah days. He won’t get that sort of contract, but will not have trouble finding one more deal.

Gerald Henderson, G, Bobcats
After coming on late last season, Henderson could draw the sort of offer as a restricted free agent that will make it difficult for the Bobcats to match.